I have to say I’m somewhat addicted to makeup brushes and beauty blenders, and it’s a habit I’ve passed along to my girls.
It’s so hard to keep them out of my stash!
Now, that’s not to say I use a brush or beauty blender for every product in my beauty cupboard. There are some foundations and BB creams that I much prefer using my fingers for, but then again, there are some that blend into your skin so much better with a little help from a brush or blender.
And I can’t go past a great firm bristled angle brush to apply great coloured eyeshadow along my lash line rather than using eyeliner either.
Multi-Use Know-How
On a recent trip to Bali, an old friend said to me, and I quote: “You’re like me, lots of makeups just make us look ridiculous. It’s better if you go natural and let your natural skin shine through”.
(Thanks, Kel! Love ya babe! She also said I look ridiculous in red lipstick but that’s a story for another day!) Why am I telling you this?
Because that conversation made me realise why I love my Napoleon Perdis Sculpting 10r brush so much. While it may not be an eyeshadow brush, it’s my favourite brush when it comes to natural eyes. A gentle sweep of a light tone over my entire eye, then another soft sweep of a slightly darker colour over the lid and crease, and I’m done!
The point is, a brush might be designed for a particular job, but you can use it for whatever you want!
My second can’t-live-without is my beauty blender!
With a little help and advice along the way from some of my favourite beauty experts, here’s my list of brushes I just can’t live without!
1. Beauty Blender/Sponges
Using a beauty blender or a sponge to apply foundation is the first step professional makeup artists do to achieve complexion perfection. They’re quite easy to use and leave skin looking flawless and streak-free.
Simply run your blender under the tap, squeeze out the excess water, and dip into your favourite BB cream, foundation, or complexion-enhancing product.
Then bounce or dab the beauty blender over your skin. Whether you want a sheer finish or full coverage, a beauty blender or sponge is a go-to product.
They do need to be replaced every 3 months and should be cleaned after each use to keep bacteria at bay.
Budget: OXX Makeup Blender | RRP $3
While much firmer, bigger in size and a little less bouncy than the other blenders listed, it still does a pretty good job at blending in foundation. I do feel like it holds more water than the others so try not to drench it when you wet it.
Affordable: Napoleon Perdis Pro Makeup Blending Sponge | RRP $12
These blending sponges have a great tip for getting into those trickier nooks and crannies like around your nose. They’re light and bouncing and blend beautifully.
Splurge: Beautyblender Sapphire | RRP $30
Okay, so yes, the colour got me here! But the products are fabulous, there’s no denying it! The original beautyblender is created from the ultimate ‘aqua-activated material’ and are one of my favourites when it comes to blending in a heavier or oilier BB cream or foundation. They’re the lightest and the bounciest plus they come in a gorgeous array of colours!
2. A Fluffy Eyeshadow Brush
Blending is so much easier when you’re armed with a round, fluffy eyeshadow brush. It’s the perfect tool to smoke up your eyes and soften the edges of your eyeshadow. It can also double as a brush to contour the nose and under the lips.
Budget: E.L.F. Blending Eye Brush | RRP $3
The this fluffy synthetic bristle brush works a treat. It holds eyeshadow well and is easy to clean.
Affordable: E.L.F. Eyeshadow C Brush | RRP $9
E.L.F. does low-priced brushes well! And this eyeshadow brush is no exception. It has synthetic hair that is soft and fabulous for blending.
Splurge: Inglot Eyeshadow Brush 10s | RRP $32
Inglot brushes are long-lasting and have fabulous quality due to their natural sable hair bristles, reportedly one of the best natural hair fibres on the market. This fluffy brush is great for the full lid sweep.
Splurge: Napoleon Perdis Sculpting Brush 10R FR | RRP $49
While NP will tell us this is a face brush, it may go for all over eye coverage. It has natural, super soft bristles that really hold up.
3. A Fine Liner Brush
There is nothing more glamorous, polished and chic than a gorgeously lined eye. It is a look attempted by many but rarely mastered. The trick? Choose your brush wisely. The perfect brush should be fine, stiff and have bristles cut on an angle. This will ensure you’re able to control the thickness and angle of your line and wing.
Budget: E.L.F. Smudge Brush | RRP $3
The short, synthetic curved bristles on this brush make it easy to work out of achieving a fine, precise line. I quite like the shorter length of the bristles.
Affordable: E.L.F. Small Angled Brush | RRP $9
This synthetic-haired Taklon brush works fabulously wet or dry. It collects and holds product well too.
Splurge: Napoleon Perdis Precision Angle Brush 5A | RRP $35
This sharp angled brush is made from natural bristles and doesn’t easily fold in on itself. It works great when damp too if you want a more dramatic line with a shadow.
4. Medium/Large Powder Brush
Also known as a finishing or polishing blush, but to me, the big fluffy brush!
I am a bronzer girl through and through. It drives some of my RP beauty girls crazy! But I’m totally addicted and always have a few good medium to large fluffy complexion brushes ready. They are great for a light dusting over cheekbones and anywhere else you want to spread the love.
Budget: BYS Tapered Powder Brush | RRP $8
Soft and fluffy, this synthetic-haired brush does a fine of collecting powder and distributing it where you want it to go.
Affordable: E.L.F. Flawless Face Brush | RRP $16
This face brush is super soft and fluffy but the bristles stay in place just enough so that your bronzer or powder doesn’t end up where you don’t want it to!
Splurge: Bare Minerals Soft Focus Face Brush | RRP $44
I love this Bare Minerals face brush. It’s insanely soft and picks up bronzer and powder perfectly.
Notable Mention: The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation Brush | RRP $29
The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation Brush stands up on its own and is super easy to clean – no stains at all! The bristles are delightfully soft and it blends foundation easily and efficiently.
A Little Extra Love
These are a few more fun and fanciful brushes I use when I want to feel just a little bit special and luxe! They sit on display with pride in bathroom!
1. Colorscience Ultra Soft Kabuki Brush | RRP $25
E.L.F also do a cute little Kabuki brush at the more affordable price of $16 and BYS have long-bristled one for $14.94.
2. Napoleon Perdis Boudior Brush | RRP $72 – but they really are a super splurge!
3. The Body Shop Smudger Brush | RRP $16
The Body Shop Smudger Brush is 100% cruelty-free and has a wooden handle. I can’t live without their smudger brush anymore! And they’re vegan! BONUS!
4. On-the-Go Brush Set | RRP $59
What’s better than one great brush? An entire set! On-the-Go brush set by Colorescience contains 5 compact brushes that are super soft and gorgeous for day to night brilliance. While you’ll spend more upfront, you’ll get better value if you want lots of choices when it comes to your brush collection if you buy a set than individually.
